I was approached and offered an internship with a local newspaper working as a staff photographer. I need to put together a small portfolio soon to bring to the editor. Being as most of my work up to now has been nature, abstract, and surrealistic imagery, I dont really believe I have enough relevant material to bring to the table so I am going out during the next week to try and make up for lost time. Any suggestions on the type of imagery/locations that I should go after? I know some of you have experience in this field.
Also any other tips would be appreciated. Danke

Newspapers and Wire Agencies look for three things in portfolios, and only three things...News, Portraits and Sports.

My advice would be to rent some good gear (digital SLR and a few lenses) for the week and shoot some news, sports and portrait type shots around your college/university. I recommend college stuff because it will be a lot easier to obtain credentials to the various events. For example, if there is a press conference/unveiling/announcement taking place on campus, shoot it! If there is a football or basketball game, shoot it! You get the picture.

I do, however, think that a week is an awfully short deadline to put together some professional looking shots for a portfolio.

I have the equipt, and its an internship with a small independent paper so the shots dont have to be amazing. I dont believe I have much (if any) competition, so I'm not too worried. I just didnt want to send him and bunch of landscape photos.
I've flipped through my prints and found a few pretty decent photos to present. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitly be heading over to the fields to catch some sports photography!!!! Hmm, just had a thought, maybe I should be thumbing through your gallery for some ideas :p

Hi Anthony. Just pick up a couple back issues of the paper and see what photos they were printing in it. I think that would provide the best indication of the images they are seeking of course with your added special touch. Have fun working with the paper;-)

Anthony, since I don't have any sports images on here, I can send you a small portfolio of some of my recent work. It's a 2mb zip file, PM me an email address that I can send it to you at.

Thanks alot for the help Will.

Take as many documentary type images that you can, such as people in the streets, at the park. Controlled lighting situations can help also. it lets them know that you can use a light meter if you have to. Images of strife and joy can help also. Theater images and Celebrities help. Sport images can help also, Go to some armature sport events like soccer and team sport like at a school.

I agree with prismmagic. When I applied for the job of forensic photorapher I had no images of a crime secene. I drove the streets looking for aything of value for my portfolio. I might suggest a local fire damage. No matter how old or what it was, there is always a good image or two there. Got a local hospitaal. Sit around the emergency enterance and get some action shots of paramedics at work. Remember to keep out of their way. Since the paper offed you the inernship they know about your work.. They liked what they saw or wouldn't have made you the offer. Just a few updates to yout portfolio should be all that you need

Anthony;
I think that we all have been waiting and wondering. How did it all work out? Did you get your extra photos? Did you get your internship?

yes, and yes
sorry for the lack of caedes participation but I now have a job, an internship, and full time school...
thanks for the support tho, always appreciated :)

Good for the Noob:-)

Very hapy for you . In a few years I will be looking for your name as a winner of a Pulitizer Prize!
fotobob

HA! And then we'll all simultaneously wake up! :p
thanks again for the support

I am amazed that you had time to shoot after carrying out this lengthy discussion! Congradulations on the new job!

I have an internship at a fincancial place, but wow, what I would give for a similar opportunity involving photography!